James C. Luker

Entered in eternal peace on Tuesday, May 5 at Johns Hopkins Hospital after battling a long illness. He was 68 years old. Jim was born on September 25, 1940 in Gloucester, New Jersey. He moved to Arlington, VA with his parents, Howard W. Luker and Mary Emily nee Wilson, when he was two. He attended Wakefield High School in northern Virginia and graduated in 1958. Jim entered college in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and played football before joining the Marine Corps. Following an honorable discharge from the Corps, Jim returned to school at the University of Maryland to complete his undergraduate studies earning a Bachelors of Arts. He furthered his higher education with two Masters Degrees in Business and Public Administration, and Psychology. His early years were spent in the northern Virginia circle where he was very active in the communities of Arlington and Alexandria. His love of sports made the Northern Virginia Athletic Club and softball league his second home. It is here where he met and married the love of his life, Patricia A. McCaffery on July 4, 1980. Jim had a very successful career in retail management spanning four decades. Starting with Giant Food of Maryland and continuing as a Human Resource and Personnel Executive for other large retail corporations across the nation, which included Dart Drug, Family Dollar, and Montgomery Ward. He ended his accomplished career from Magruder’s Supermarkets in August 2003. There is much to say about Jim and how he lived his life. He was a caring individual and looked out for others. He was an avid volunteer especially where children and animals were concerned. He had a quick wit and was never without a comeback. But what we will most remember him for is his larger than life personality and his laugh that could fill the room. He was truly one of kind. Jim is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Patricia A. McCaffery and her daughter and son in law, Kimberly A. Adomanis-Chomicz and Gregory Chomicz; and beloved brother Howard W. Luker II.; sister-in-law Doris Luker;a niece Kathleen Marsden. Jim’s life was full of delight with his only grandchild, Lauryn. Families and friends are welcomed to join for mass services on Friday, May 8 at 1PM at St. Christopher’s Church, 1861 Harbor Drive, Chester, Maryland. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Charles Hesdorffer Research Fund or the Vasculitis Discovery Fund at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 4940 Eastern Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21224.

James C. Luker

September 25, 1940 - May 5, 2009